The I ♥ Cebu blog by Peanut Browas

​Cebu has numerous natural attractions for its visitors. While many of these natural wonders are already well-known, there are some attractions known only to the residents of the area. One of these lesser-known natural attractions is the Nonoc Cave of Borbon.

Borbon Cebu – image source: Municipality of Borbon Facebook Page

Borbon

The Municipality of Borbon was once a visita of the town of Sogod. This is the reason why many of the settlers in Borbon trace their roots to this neighboring town. A parish was later established on September 15, 1862. The name of the town was supposedly a misinterpretation of the Cebuano word “bonbon,” which refers to pebbly sand. Another story indicates that the name of the town was due to a miscommunication between the Spaniards and some locals. When the Spaniards asked for the name of the place, the locals did not understand what the foreigners were saying. They simply told the Spaniards their nicknames “Bor” and “Bon.”

Nonoc Cave

The Nonoc Cave is one of the natural wonders you can find in the town of Borbon. It was once the hiding place of Japanese soldiers during the Second World War. Visitors can still see some Japanese characters on the walls of the cave. It is situated on the hills of one of the barangays of this northern Cebu town. The trip going to the cave brings visitors through an area surrounded by thick foliage and trees.

Nonoc Cave – image source: flickr.com

​While the many residents of the town know about the cave, it is relatively unknown among people from other places of the island. If you plan on going to the Nonoc Cave, it is advisable to bring a guide with you since you may find it challenging to explore the cave. Residents in the area say the interior part of the cave is big. You should also wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for some climbing since the entrance itself is located higher than ground level.

Nonoc Cave – image source: cebucityphilippines123.blogspot.com

Other Places to Visit in Borbon

Borbon may be a quiet, unassuming town, but it does offer some sites to see for its visitors. Aside from the Nonoc Cave, you can drop by the Silmogue River, which is located close to the center of the town. You can also check out the old stone wall that once protected the San Sebastian Church. The Sandayong Falls is a good place for adventurers to visit.

Silmogue River – image source: tripmondo.com

Getting to Borbon

You can get to Borbon by getting on a bus headed for the town at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. You can also ride a bus with the “Tabogon” signboard since it also passes through the town. Just make sure to tell the driver or conductor that you want to get off at the town of Borbon.

Cebu North Bus Terminal – image source: flickr.com

​The Nonoc Cave is just one of the places you can visit if you happen to drop by the town of Borbon. In addition to being a natural attraction, the cave is significant to the history of the town. Have you visited the Nonoc Cave of Borbon already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.